The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has inspected a Watford dentist - with most areas receiving praise but one earmarked for improvement.

Watford Smiles in Hempstead Road was found to meet expectations on four of the five areas assessed, but fell short in the well-led category.

The CQC does not give a formal rating to dentists in the way it would for other forms of care - instead judging whether the service has met regulations in the five categories assessed: safety, care, effectiveness, responsiveness and well-led.

In most aspects the report is positive, with praise being given to the quality of care received by patients.

Twelve patients gave feedback to inspectors as part of their visit in September, with staff described as "professional, courteous, and considerate". 

One said: “Bubbly caring team, took their time explaining the treatments. Warm environment.”

The setting was found to be safe, with staff saying that equipment and instruments were well maintained and readily available. 

The effectiveness of care at the practice was also praised, with the report saying: "Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. The practice had systems to keep dental professionals up to date with current evidence-based practice. 

"Staff worked together and with other health and social care professionals to deliver effective care and treatment."

While the report is on the whole positive, the CQC has asked the practice to provide an action plan in response to the concerns that were raised in one of the categories.

Inspectors found that Watford Smiles "was not providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations".

The report goes on to say: "During our assessment of this key question, we found the registered person had systems or processes that operated ineffectively in that they failed to enable them to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the services being provided.

"We also found concerns around the ineffectiveness of the systems or processes to assess, monitor and mitigate the risks relating to the health, safety and welfare of service users and others who may be at risk."

​Watford Smiles did not respond to requests for comment.